A practical online course covering fungal infections, diagnostics, antifungal resistance and stewardship is now available through FutureLearn.

Fungal diseases are increasingly recognised as a major global health challenge. Advances in medicine have created growing numbers of patients at risk of fungal infection, while antifungal resistance is emerging as an important threat to effective treatment.

To help address this need, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (BSAC) has updated its Antifungal Stewardship online course for 2026. The course is delivered through FutureLearn and provides practical, evidence-based training for healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing, treating and managing fungal disease.

Access the BSAC Antifungal Stewardship course on FutureLearn

Why antifungal stewardship matters

Antifungal stewardship shares many of the same goals as antimicrobial stewardship: improving patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary drug exposure, limiting toxicity, supporting appropriate prescribing and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.

However, fungal infections present particular challenges. The number of available antifungal drug classes remains limited, diagnostic pathways can be complex, and delays in diagnosis may be associated with poorer outcomes. Improving knowledge of fungal diagnostics and appropriate antifungal prescribing is therefore essential for modern healthcare.

What the course covers

The three-week programme provides an accessible introduction to:

• Fungal biology and major groups of fungal pathogens
• Superficial, subcutaneous and invasive fungal infections
• Clinical risk factors for fungal disease
• Specimen collection and laboratory diagnosis
• Microscopy and fungal culture
• Fungal PCR and panfungal PCR
• Fungal biomarkers, including galactomannan and beta-1,3-D-glucan
• Antifungal drugs and therapeutic drug monitoring
• Antifungal resistance
• National and international guidance
• Practical clinical scenarios

Modern fungal diagnostics

Diagnosis is one of the most challenging aspects of fungal disease management. The course introduces learners to the strengths and limitations of different diagnostic approaches, including culture, microscopy, molecular testing and fungal biomarkers.

It also emphasises the importance of interpreting laboratory results in the right clinical context, particularly when distinguishing colonisation from infection.

Developed by experts in medical mycology

The course has been developed by specialists with extensive expertise in fungal disease, diagnostics, stewardship and medical education.

The faculty includes Professor Riina Richardson, Clinical Head of Service and Consultant Medical Mycologist at the NHS Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Senior Clinical Lecturer at The University of Manchester, and President of the British Society for Medical Mycology.

The course also includes input from Dr Stephen Hopping, an NHS clinician with experience in infectious diseases education, antimicrobial stewardship and antifungal stewardship.

CPD accreditation

The course has been approved by the Royal College of Pathologists and carries 9 CPD credits, supporting continuing professional development for healthcare professionals.

Who should take this course?

This course is relevant for:

• Infectious Diseases physicians
• Medical microbiologists
• Clinical scientists
• Pharmacists
• Respiratory physicians
• Haematologists
• Intensive Care clinicians
• Infection prevention specialists
• Antimicrobial stewardship teams
• Healthcare trainees with an interest in infection and diagnostics

No specialist background in medical mycology is required.

A valuable resource for modern healthcare

As awareness of fungal disease grows and diagnostic technologies continue to evolve, education in antifungal stewardship has never been more important.

This updated BSAC course offers a practical and accessible introduction to fungal infections, diagnostics, antifungal therapy and stewardship principles. Whether learners are new to the subject or looking to refresh their knowledge, it provides a strong foundation for improving the care of patients with fungal disease.

Access the course

The BSAC Antifungal Stewardship course is available online through FutureLearn:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/antifungal-stewardship

Key points

• Updated for 2026
• Available online through FutureLearn
• Covers fungal infections, diagnostics and antifungal stewardship
• Includes fungal PCR, biomarkers and diagnostic interpretation
• Developed by UK experts in medical mycology
• Approved for 9 Royal College of Pathologists CPD credits
• Suitable for clinicians, pharmacists, scientists and stewardship teams